Dr. Jerry Alan Cooper 1937-2010

COOPER

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 2/20/2011 at 22:23:56

Sioux City Journal
19 June 2010

SIOUX CITY -- Dr. Jerry Alan Cooper, formerly of Sioux City, passed peacefully Tuesday, June 15, 2010, in Portland, Ore., with his children and his loving wife of 51 years, Ilene, at his side.

A celebration of his life will be 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Pius X Church in Portland, with a funeral mass at noon. There will be a luncheon following the service Tuesday at the church hall. Arrangements are under the direction of Springer and Son Funeral Home in Aloha, Ore.

Jerry was born April 5, 1937, in Sioux City, to Victor and Malinda Cooper. He obtained his master's and doctor of education degrees at Northern Colorado University. Dr. Cooper was a marketing professor at Southern Oregon University for 30 years. During this time, he helped many young people find their way into the work world. He was loved by all of his students and the people whom he worked with.

Fair and honest, Jerry loved helping others. He served on the board of directors of the Ashland Community Hospital for several years as well as numerous other boards, committees and organizations. He worked tirelessly helping the less fortunate at St. Vincent DePaul, Meals on Wheels and the Knights of Columbus, just to name a few. Jim could walk into any situation and come out with directions and a good place to eat.

Survivors include his wife, Ilene; his daughters, Vicki (Mark) Sears, Peggy (Mark) Severson and Katie (Roger) Cooper; two grandchildren, Ashley and Alec Sears; and a brother, Bernard (Ruby) Cooper.

He was preceded in death by a son, Joseph Cooper; and a brother, the Rev. Harold Cooper.

The family wishes to thank Ken, Bill and Claire for their daily communion and prayers and Hospice workers, Jean, Barbara, Chris, Ginger and Kate for all their help and loving support.